Special Abilities

SwimKids is proud to announce our Special Abilities swim program specifically designed for children with special needs. The developmental swim program provides a positive outlook and emphasis on the strengths and unique attributes of each swimmer. Our program focuses on water education, developing water safety and swimming skills. The program is customized for each child's emotional and developmental abilities, with the goal to help each child become physically active, build self-confidence and self esteem, learn the life-saving skill of swimming, and eventually to offer them another avenue for integration into a small group for high functioning special abilities children. The program is being offered at our indoor swimming facilities in Woodbridge, Leesburg, Gainesville, and Fredericksburg. Each class is 30 minutes, once per week.

The special needs swim program is led by SwimKids Owner, Dave Tonnesen and Special Abilities Director, Angela Baker. Mr. Tonnesen, an aquatics professional with over 20 years experience, is the former Head Coach of the Prince William County Special Needs Swim Program and received a commendation from the Prince William County Board of Supervisors for his work with special abilities children. Ms. Baker has been working with special abilities children in an aquatics environment since 2004 and is the Head Coach of the East Prince William County Special Olympics Swim Team.

Special Abilities Class Schedule

Are You New to SwimKids? Click on the Register button below to enroll.

Don't see the class you need or want to get on the wait list? Please call us!

NOTE: All Program have an annual registration fee of $39.00. Most special needs children start as private lessons. As our teachers get to know your child and their unique situation, we may come to you to suggest a special needs group arrangement.

What our members have to say...

"I am so pleased with this program! When my daughter first started she was terrified by everything from the drain in the pool to the water itself. With the patient and kind encouragement the staff has shown her, she is now swimming like a little fish. Her swimming lesson is her favorite part of the week. Thanks to all of you who have helped my daughter learn to love the pool!!"~SwimKids Parent on Spring Survey

"The instructors and Site Supervisor are a wonderful team! They listen to each child's needs and strive to work at that child's pace, always with praise and encouragement!
Although I pay for membership at another pool, I prefer SwimKids to train my children. They keep the class size small, and they keep age and level of swimming together so preschoolers are not overwhelmed ... I appreciate the rapport that the staff has with parents! Always taking time to make each parent aware of their child's accomplishments."~Mary Gill, Lake Ridge, VA